Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. It’s simple to make and packed with flavors. This recipe will surely become a family favorite, as it combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is satisfying and delicious.

How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup rice (Uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (Can be substituted with half-and-half or a non-dairy product)
• 1 medium onion (Diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 1 cup frozen peas (Optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley (Fresh or dried for garnish)

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside when done.
2. While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Place them in the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the creamy sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken and blend the flavors.
8. Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serve this dish hot, with the creamy chicken piled generously over a bed of rice. You can offer a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to balance the meal. Enjoy it with your favorite bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

How to Store Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

1. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for about 30 minutes before cooking.
2. If you prefer, you can use brown rice instead of white rice; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition and color.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables. Try adding broccoli or spinach for an even creamier version. If you want a kick, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and will add even more moisture to the dish.
2. Is there a dairy-free version of the cream sauce? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy milk product or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
3. What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, but using broth will enhance the flavor significantly.

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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting dish of tender chicken in a creamy sauce served over fluffy rice, perfect for any day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients

  

Chicken and Rice Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup rice (Uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or a non-dairy product
• 1 medium onion (Diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 1 cup frozen peas (Optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley (Fresh or dried for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside when done.
• While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Place them in the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Cooking

• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the creamy sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken and blend the flavors.
• Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for about 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer, you can use brown rice instead of white rice; just adjust the cooking time as needed. Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition and color. You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables. Try adding broccoli or spinach for an even creamier version. If you want a kick, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.

Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken Rice, Easy Dinner, Family Favorite, Weeknight Meal